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Grenfell Tower fire: independent panels, inquiries and reviews

In the wake of the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in June, a number of independent panels, reviews and groups were established to investigate the event and ensure it never happens again. You’ll find the latest activities for these, and our involvement and responses, below.

The independent review of building regulations and fire safety

The Government announced an independent review of building regulation and fire safety on 26 July 2017. It’s led by Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of EEF, the Manufacturers’ Organisation, and will look at current building regulations and fire safety with a particular focus on high-rise residential buildings.

The review will:

map the current regulatory system (ie, the regulations, guidance and processes) for new and existing buildings through planning, design, construction, maintenance, refurbishment and change management

consider the competencies, duties and balance of responsibilities of key individuals within the system in ensuring that fire safety standards are adhered to

assess the theoretical coherence of the current regulatory system and how it operates in practice

compare this with other international regulatory systems for buildings and regulatory systems in other sectors with similar safety risks

make recommendations that ensure the regulatory system is fit for purpose with a particular focus on multi-occupancy, high-rise residential buildings.

The review will report jointly to Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid and Home Secretary, Amber Rudd.

The independent panel of building and fire safety experts

The Government announced the appointment of a panel of building and fire safety experts on 27 June 2017. It is chaired by Sir Ken Knight and will provide independent advice to the Secretary of State on:

fire and building safety, and in particular how to ensure the public are safe in high-rise buildings

The industry response group

The industry response group was established by the Government following our call for them to take a more strategic role following the Grenfell Tower fire. The group advises on immediate steps to ensure building safety, including:

provide advice on solutions that will ensure homes, offices and public buildings are safe

provide advice on better ways of building and the latest methods of construction, including technical, industry expertise

help mobilise the UK industry for any major programmes of construction work, by acting as a focal point for government-industry communications

advise the Government on relevant sub-sectors of the construction industry, their expertise and capacity to deliver.

The National Housing Federation sits on this group along with representatives from the Construction Industry Council, Construction Products Association, Build UK, the Local Government Association and National Fire Chiefs Council.

The independent Grenfell recovery taskforce

The Government announced an independent Grenfell recovery taskforce that will support the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) to develop and implement a long-term recovery plan following the Grenfell Tower fire. It will:

look at whether RBKC is engaging with the local community on their long-term recovery plan

ensure that all immediate housing needs are promptly addressed

support the council to significantly improve housing management

make sure the council develops, in partnership with the local community, a plan for the Grenfell Tower site.

National Housing Federation expert panel

Our expert panel helps us support members in a range of specialist work areas and to assist with the scope and shape of immediate and longer-term policy and best practice guidance.

Panel members represent a wide range of sector experts, from lawyers and funders to insurers, surveyors, fire engineers and cladding specialists. The panel meets at regular intervals and has committed to working in an open but measured way. For more information please contact housingsafety@housing.org.uk